My first Sunday in Monterrey

This morning, Noah and I went on a 2- 2.5 mile run up the mountain behind our house then back through the neighborhood. It was a bonding time and was the start of a number of good conversations with him today. At noon, I went to Cumbres, the Presbyterian church in the neighborhood of the same name where I've been staying. It was about 90 degrees in the cramped church (really a converted house), and the service lasted about 2 hours. I sweated like a pig, but it honestly didn't really bother me because I've been in a lot of hot weather over the past month and a half and have become acclimated.
So despite the heat, I had the best worship I've had in a long time. Part of it was that I had to really pay attention to every song, the announcements, and the sermon to be able to catch what was being said. But I was really blessed in that the preacher enunciated his Spanish well, so I understood about everything he said (although I missed some words and phrases and zoned out for a period of 2-3 minutes). He preached on Luke 10:22-37, which is the passage about the scribe who questioned Jesus about the greatest commandment and Jesus' parable to him about the Good Samaritan. It was honestly the best sermon I've ever heard on this parable, and believe me, I've heard a goodly number. He pointed out that Jesus said that the scribe was right that the greatest commandment was to love the Lord with your whole being and your neighbor as yourself (which probably made him quite happy), but immediately followed it with, "Do it, and you will live--" which brought him back down because in a couple words, Jesus transferred the discussiong from theology-- religion de la mente-- to a religion mas abajo, de la corazon (of the heart and will). The parable of the Good Samaritan was the logical follow-up that exemplified this love in action, the love that provides for the physical, emotional, spiritual, and financial needs of one's neighbor (anybody that you encounter in your life).
I can think of several other sermons and talks that have permanently taken root in my heart, and I know that this one will be one of those. Also, hearing people praise God in another language makes God bigger to me and helps me see His love for all his creatures. I'm meeting some great brothers and sisters here and have been really encouraged over the past few days even though I've contributed little to the ministry so far. Indeed, the best thing that can come out of my presence here would be relationships in which I encourage people and am in turn encouraged, and share the Gospel in both word and deed.
I continue to pray for most of you reading this, and am greatly appreciative of all your prayers for me and the church here in Monterrey. May His love reign in your hearts.